1
|
Phyo AZZ, Fransquet PD, Wrigglesworth J, Woods RL, Espinoza SE, Ryan J. Sex differences in biological aging and the association with clinical measures in older adults. GeroScience 2024; 46:1775-1788. [PMID: 37747619 PMCID: PMC10828143 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00941-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Females live longer than males, and there are sex disparities in physical health and disease incidence. However, sex differences in biological aging have not been consistently reported and may differ depending on the measure used. This study aimed to determine the correlations between epigenetic age acceleration (AA), and other markers of biological aging, separately in males and females. We additionally explored the extent to which these AA measures differed according to socioeconomic characteristics, clinical markers, and diseases. Epigenetic clocks (HorvathAge, HannumAge, PhenoAge, GrimAge, GrimAge2, and DunedinPACE) were estimated in blood from 560 relatively healthy Australians aged ≥ 70 years (females, 50.7%) enrolled in the ASPREE study. A system-wide deficit accumulation frailty index (FI) composed of 67 health-related measures was generated. Brain age and subsequently brain-predicted age difference (brain-PAD) were estimated from neuroimaging. Females had significantly reduced AA than males, but higher FI, and there was no difference in brain-PAD. FI had the strongest correlation with DunedinPACE (range r: 0.21 to 0.24 in both sexes). Brain-PAD was not correlated with any biological aging measures. Significant correlations between AA and sociodemographic characteristics and health markers were more commonly found in females (e.g., for DunedinPACE and systolic blood pressure r = 0.2, p < 0.001) than in males. GrimAA and Grim2AA were significantly associated with obesity and depression in females, while in males, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease were associated with these clocks, as well as DunedinPACE. Our findings highlight the importance of considering sex differences when investigating the link between biological age and clinical measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo
- Biological Neuropsychiatry & Dementia Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Peter D Fransquet
- Biological Neuropsychiatry & Dementia Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Jo Wrigglesworth
- Biological Neuropsychiatry & Dementia Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Robyn L Woods
- ASPREE Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Sara E Espinoza
- Center for Translational Geroscience, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Biological Neuropsychiatry & Dementia Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fransquet PD, Macdonald JA, Ryan J, Greenwood CJ, Olsson CA. Exploring perinatal biopsychosocial factors and epigenetic age in 1-year-old offspring. Epigenomics 2023; 15:927-939. [PMID: 37905426 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Little is known about the determinants of epigenetic aging in pediatric populations. Methods: Epigenetic age was estimated from 258 1-year-olds, using pediatric buccal epigenetic and Horvath clocks. We explored associations between epigenetic age and maternal indicators of mental and relational health, substance use and general physical health assessed during trimester three. Results: Higher anxiety and stress, BMI and higher parent-parent relationship quality were associated with pediatric buccal epigenetic clock differences. High blood pressure during pregnancy was associated with Horvath age acceleration. Third-trimester smoking and pre-pregnancy weight were associated with acceleration and deceleration respectively, and concordant across clocks. Conclusion: A broad range of maternal factors may shape epigenetic age in infancy; further research is needed to explore the possible effects on health and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Fransquet
- Deakin University, Centre for Social & Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacqui A Macdonald
- Deakin University, Centre for Social & Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Population Studies of Adolescents, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Christopher J Greenwood
- Deakin University, Centre for Social & Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Population Studies of Adolescents, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig A Olsson
- Deakin University, Centre for Social & Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Population Studies of Adolescents, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fransquet PD, Lacaze P, Saffery R, Shah RC, Vryer R, Murray A, Woods RL, Ryan J. Accelerated Epigenetic Aging in Peripheral Blood does not Predict Dementia Risk. Curr Alzheimer Res 2021; 18:443-451. [PMID: 34429046 DOI: 10.2174/1567205018666210823100721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is strong evidence that epigenetic age acceleration is associated with increased risk of later-life diseases and all-cause mortality. However, there is currently limited evidence that suggests accelerated epigenetic age is associated with dementia risk. OBJECTIVE This study aims to clarify whether epigenetic biomarkers of accelerated aging can predict dementia risk, which is an important consideration as aging is the greatest risk factor for the disease. METHODS DNA methylation was measured in peripheral blood samples provided by 160 participants from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly study, including 73 pre-symptomatic dementia cases and 87 controls matched for age, sex, and smoking and education status. Epigenetic age was calculated using Horvath, Hannum, GrimAge and PhenoAge DNA methylation clocks, and age acceleration (the disparity between chronological age and epigenetic age) was determined. RESULTS There was no difference in age acceleration between dementia cases and controls. In males, only Hannum's intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration was increased in pre-symptomatic dementia cases compared to controls (Δ +1.8 years, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION These findings provide no strong evidence that accelerated epigenetic aging measured in peripheral blood can predict dementia risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P D Fransquet
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - P Lacaze
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - R Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052 Victoria, Australia
| | - R C Shah
- Department of Family Medicine and Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - R Vryer
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052 Victoria, Australia
| | - A Murray
- Berman Center for Outcomes and Clinical Research, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Hennepin Healthcare, Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - R L Woods
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Ryan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fransquet PD, Lacaze P, Saffery R, Phung J, Parker E, Shah RC, Murray A, Woods RL, Ryan J. DNA methylation analysis of candidate genes associated with dementia in peripheral blood. Epigenomics 2020; 12:2109-2123. [PMID: 33300824 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate whether genes implicated in dementia pathogenesis are differently methylated in peripheral blood. Materials & methods: Participants included 160 cognitively healthy individuals aged 70+ years: 73 who were subsequently diagnosed with dementia and 87 controls matched on age, gender, education, smoking and baseline cognition. A total of 49 participants also provided blood samples at diagnosis. Blood DNA methylation of APOE, APP, BDNF, PIN1, SNCA and TOMM40 was examined. Results: A total of 56 of 299 probes were differentially methylated in dementia compared with controls and 39 probes prior to diagnosis. The greatest effect size was in APP (cg19423170, Δ-8.32%, adjusted p = 0.009 at diagnosis; cg19933173, Δ-4.18%, adjusted p < 0.0001 prediagnosis). Conclusion: Genes implicated in dementia pathogenesis show differential blood methylation in dementia, even prior to diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Fransquet
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Lacaze
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute & Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052 Victoria, Australia
| | - James Phung
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily Parker
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia
| | - Raj C Shah
- Department of Family Medicine & Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anne Murray
- Berman Center for Outcomes & Clinical Research, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Hennepin Healthcare; Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Robyn L Woods
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004 Victoria, Australia.,PSNREC, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ryan J, Wrigglesworth J, Loong J, Fransquet PD, Woods RL. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Environmental, Lifestyle, and Health Factors Associated With DNA Methylation Age. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 75:481-494. [PMID: 31001624 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) algorithms of biological age provide a robust estimate of an individual's chronological age and can predict their risk of age-related disease and mortality. This study reviewed the evidence that environmental, lifestyle and health factors are associated with the Horvath and Hannum epigenetic clocks. A systematic search identified 61 studies. Chronological age was correlated with DNAm age in blood (median .83, range .13-.99). In a meta-analysis body mass index (BMI) was associated with increased DNAm age (Hannum β: 0.07, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.10; Horvath β: 0.06, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.10), but there was no association with smoking (Hannum β: 0.12, 95% CI -0.50 to 0.73; Horvath β:0.18, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.46). DNAm age was positively associated with frailty (three studies, n = 3,093), and education was negatively associated with the Hannum estimate of DNAm age specifically (four studies, n = 13,955). For most other exposures, findings were too inconsistent to draw conclusions. In conclusion, BMI was positively associated with biological aging measured using DNAm, with some evidence that frailty also increased aging. More research is needed to provide conclusive evidence regarding other exposures. This field of research has the potential to provide further insights into how to promote slower biological aging and ultimately prolong healthy life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Neuropsychiatry, Epidemiological and Clinical Research, Montpellier, France
| | - Jo Wrigglesworth
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jun Loong
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter D Fransquet
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn L Woods
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fransquet PD, Ritchie K, Januar V, Saffery R, Ancelin ML, Ryan J. Is Peripheral BDNF Promoter Methylation a Preclinical Biomarker of Dementia? J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 73:645-655. [PMID: 31839607 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in dementia. Preliminary evidence suggests that BDNF DNA methylation may be a diagnostic biomarker of dementia, but the potential pre-clinical utility remains unclear. Participants in the ESPRIT study were assessed for cognitive function and dementia (DSM-IV criteria) over 14 years. BDNF exon 1 promoter methylation was measured in blood at baseline (n = 769) and buccal samples during follow-up (n = 1062). Genotyping was carried out for several common BDNF SNPs, including Val66Met (rs6265) and APOE ɛ4. Multivariable logistic regression analyses determined the association between BDNF methylation and both prevalent and incident dementia. Adjustment for gender, age, education, APOEɛ4 genotype, body mass index, depression, and type 2 diabetes, as well as possible effect modification by gender and genetic variation were also investigated. Weak evidence of an association between lower blood methylation and dementia was observed at one of 11 sites investigated (Δ-0.5%, 95% CI:-0.9,-0.04, p = 0.03, p = 0.22 adjusted for multiple comparisons). Buccal methylation at two other sites was associated with 14-year incident dementia cases prior to adjustment for multiple comparisons only, and the effect sizes were small (Δ+0.3%, OR:1.57, SE:0.30, p = 0.02, p = 0.14 adjusted and Δ-1.5%, OR:0.85, SE:0.06, p = 0.03, p = 0.14 adjusted). Genetic variation in the BDNF gene did not modify these associations, and no gender-specific effects were observed. There was only a weak correlation between blood and buccal BDNF log-methylation at two sites (both r=-0.11). There was no strong evidence that blood or buccal BDNF exon 1 promoter DNA methylation is associated with prevalent or incident dementia, and reported associations would not remain after adjustment for multiple testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Fransquet
- Biological Neuropsychiatry and Dementia Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen Ritchie
- Inserm U1061, Hospital La Colombiere & University Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Center for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Vania Januar
- Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marie-Laure Ancelin
- Inserm U1061, Hospital La Colombiere & University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Biological Neuropsychiatry and Dementia Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Inserm U1061, Hospital La Colombiere & University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Dementia is an overarching term which describes a group of symptoms that result in long-term decline in cognitive functioning that is significant enough to affect daily function. It is caused by a number of different diseases, the most common of which is Alzheimer's disease. Currently, there are no definitive biomarkers for preclinical or diagnostic use, or which differentiate between underlying disease types. The purpose of this review is to highlight several important areas of research on blood-based biomarkers of dementia, with a specific focus on epigenetic biomarkers. A systematic search of the literature identified 77 studies that compared blood DNA methylation between individuals with dementia and controls and 45 studies that measured microRNA. Very few studies were identified that focused on histone modifications. There were many promising findings from studies in the field of blood-based epigenetic biomarkers of dementia, however, a lack of consistency in study design, technologies, and platforms used for the biomarker measurement, as well as statistical analysis methods, have hampered progress. To date, there are very few findings that have been independently replicated across more than one study, indicating a preponderance of false-positive findings and the field has likely been plagued by positive publication bias. Here, we highlight and discuss several of the limitations of existing studies and provide recommendations for how these could be overcome in future research. A robust framework should be followed to enable development of the most valid and reproducible biomarkers with the strongest clinical utility. Defining a series of biomarkers that may be complimentary to each other could permit a stronger multifactorial biomarker to be developed that would allow for not only accurate dementia diagnosis but preclinical detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Fransquet
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia.,Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute , Parkville , Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia.,Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute , Parkville , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fransquet PD, Wrigglesworth J, Woods RL, Ernst ME, Ryan J. The epigenetic clock as a predictor of disease and mortality risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:62. [PMID: 30975202 PMCID: PMC6458841 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0656-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ageing is one of the principal risk factors for many chronic diseases. However, there is considerable between-person variation in the rate of ageing and individual differences in their susceptibility to disease and death. Epigenetic mechanisms may play a role in human ageing, and DNA methylation age biomarkers may be good predictors of age-related diseases and mortality risk. The aims of this systematic review were to identify and synthesise the evidence for an association between peripherally measured DNA methylation age and longevity, age-related disease, and mortality risk. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Using relevant search terms, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsychINFO databases were searched to identify articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Studies were assessed for bias using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. Data was extracted from studies measuring age acceleration as a predictor of age-related diseases, mortality or longevity, and the findings for similar outcomes compared. Using Review Manager 5.3 software, two meta-analyses (one per epigenetic clock) were conducted on studies measuring all-cause mortality. RESULTS Twenty-three relevant articles were identified, including a total of 41,607 participants. Four studies focused on ageing and longevity, 11 on age-related disease (cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia), and 11 on mortality. There was some, although inconsistent, evidence for an association between increased DNA methylation age and risk of disease. Meta-analyses indicated that each 5-year increase in DNA methylation age was associated an 8 to 15% increased risk of mortality. CONCLUSION Due to the small number of studies and heterogeneity in study design and outcomes, the association between DNA methylation age and age-related disease and longevity is inconclusive. Increased epigenetic age was associated with mortality risk, but positive publication bias needs to be considered. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which DNA methylation age can be used as a clinical biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Fransquet
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, ASPREE, Level 5, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.,Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Jo Wrigglesworth
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, ASPREE, Level 5, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Robyn L Woods
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, ASPREE, Level 5, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Michael E Ernst
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Family Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, ASPREE, Level 5, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia. .,Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia. .,INSERM, U1061, Neuropsychiatrie, Recherche Clinique et Epidémiologique, Neuropsychiatry: Research Epidemiological and Clinic, Université Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fransquet PD, Ryan J. Micro RNA as a potential blood-based epigenetic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Clin Biochem 2018; 58:5-14. [PMID: 29885309 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases, the search for a definitive, easy to access diagnostic biomarker has become increasingly important. Micro RNA (miRNA), involved in the epigenetic regulation of protein synthesis, is a biological mark which varies in association with a number of disease states, possibly including AD. Here we comprehensively review methods and findings from 26 studies comparing the measurement of miRNA in blood between AD cases and controls. Thirteen of these studies used receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis to determine the diagnostic accuracy of identified miRNA to predict AD, and three studies did this with a machine learning approach. Of 8098 individually measured miRNAs, 23 that were differentially expressed between AD cases and controls were found to be significant in two or more studies. Only six of these were consistent in their direction of expression between studies (miR-107, miR-125b, miR-146a, miR-181c, miR-29b, and miR-342), and they were all shown to be down regulated in individuals with AD compared to controls. Of these directionally concordant miRNAs, the strongest evidence was for miR-107 which has also been shown in previous studies to be involved in the dysregulation of proteins involved in aspects of AD pathology, as well as being consistently downregulated in studies of AD brains. We conclude that imperative to the discovery of reliable and replicable miRNA biomarkers of AD, standardised methods of measurements, appropriate statistical analysis, utilization of large datasets with machine learning approaches, and comprehensive reporting of findings is urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Fransquet
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia; Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, and The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia; Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, and The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia; INSERM, U1061, Neuropsychiatrie, Recherche Clinique et Epidémiologique, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier 34000, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fransquet PD, Lacaze P, Saffery R, McNeil J, Woods R, Ryan J. Blood DNA methylation as a potential biomarker of dementia: A systematic review. Alzheimers Dement 2017; 14:81-103. [PMID: 29127806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Dementia is a major public health issue with rising prevalence rates, but many individuals remain undiagnosed. Accurate and timely diagnosis is key for the optimal targeting of interventions. A noninvasive, easily measurable peripheral biomarker would have greatest utility in population-wide diagnostic screening. Epigenetics, including DNA methylation, is implicated in dementia; however, it is unclear whether epigenetic changes can be detected in peripheral tissue. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence for an association between dementia and peripheral DNA methylation. Forty-eight studies that measured DNA methylation in peripheral blood were identified, and 67% reported significant associations with dementia. However, most studies were underpowered and limited by their case-control design. We emphasize the need for future longitudinal studies on large well-characterized populations, measuring epigenetic patterns in asymptomatic individuals. A biomarker detectable in the preclinical stages of the disease would have the greatest utility in future intervention and treatment trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Fransquet
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Lacaze
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John McNeil
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn Woods
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; INSERM, Neuropsychiatry: Epidemiological and Clinical Research, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fransquet PD, Hutchinson D, Olsson CA, Allsop S, Elliott EJ, Burns L, Mattick R, Saffery R, Ryan J. Cannabis use by women during pregnancy does not influence infant DNA methylation of the dopamine receptor DRD4. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 2017; 43:671-677. [PMID: 28448718 PMCID: PMC5706968 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2017.1314488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Maternal cannabis use in pregnancy is linked with long-term adverse behavioral outcomes in offspring. Epigenetic processes established in utero that affect dopaminergic (reward) signaling may mediate risks. Associations between cannabis use and offspring DNA methylation have not been investigated; however, maternal tobacco smoking in pregnancy is associated with distinct patterns of DNA methylation at birth and beyond. Objectives: To determine whether maternal cannabis use is associated with methylation of the dopamine receptor gene DRD4 promoter in infants. Methods: Mothers in the Triple B study provided detailed information on drug use in each trimester of pregnancy. Buccal swabs were collected from neonates at 8 weeks (n = 804, 51.7% male, and 48.3% female). DRD4 promoter DNA methylation was measured using SEQUENOM MassARRAY. Results: Fifty-seven of the women in the study reported drug use during pregnancy, of whom 44 used cannabis. Of 19 cytosine-phosphate-guanine dinucleotides (CpG) units tested in DRD4, gestational cannabis use was associated with offspring methylation at 1 CpG unit in multivariate models (β + 1.48, CI: 0.02 to 2.93, and p = 0.047). At another site there was weak evidence that both cannabis and other drug use were independently associated with increased methylation, while the association with tobacco was in the reverse direction (cannabis use β + 0.67, CI: −0.12 to 1.46, and p = 0.09; other drug use β + 1.11, CI: 0.17 to 2.05, and p = 0.02; tobacco use β −0.41, CI: −0.85 to 0.03, and p = 0.07). None of the associations would remain significant after correction for multiple testing. Conclusion: There is no strong evidence that maternal cannabis use in pregnancy is associated with offspring DRD4 methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Fransquet
- a Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia.,h School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Delyse Hutchinson
- a Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia.,c Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health , Deakin University , Melbourne , Australia.,d National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Craig A Olsson
- a Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia.,c Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health , Deakin University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Steve Allsop
- e National Drug Research Institute , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- f Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health , The University of Sydney, The Sydney Children's Hospital's Network (Westmead) , Sydney , Australia
| | - Lucinda Burns
- b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Richard Mattick
- d National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- a Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- a Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia.,g Inserm U1061 , Montpellier , France.,h School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fransquet PD, Hutchinson D, Olsson CA, Wilson J, Allsop S, Najman J, Elliott E, Mattick RP, Saffery R, Ryan J. Perinatal maternal alcohol consumption and methylation of the dopamine receptor DRD4 in the offspring: the Triple B study. Environ Epigenet 2016; 2:dvw023. [PMID: 29492300 PMCID: PMC5804537 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvw023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Maternal alcohol use during the perinatal period is a major public health issue, the higher ends of which are associated with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder and a range of adverse health outcomes in the progeny. The underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown but may include the epigenetic disruption of gene activity during development. Alcohol directly activates the neurotransmitter dopamine, which plays an essential role in neurodevelopment. To investigate whether antenatal and early postnatal alcohol consumption were associated with differential dopamine receptor DRD4 promoter methylation in infants (n = 844). Data were drawn from the large population based Triple B pregnancy cohort study, with detailed information on maternal alcohol consumption in each trimester of pregnancy and early postpartum. DNA was extracted from infant buccal swabs collected at 8-weeks. DRD4 promoter DNA methylation was analysed by Sequenom MassARRAY. No strong evidence was found for an association between alcohol consumption during pregnancy and infant DRD4 methylation at 8-weeks postpartum. However, maternal alcohol consumption assessed contemporaneously at 8-weeks postpartum was associated with increased methylation at 13 of 19 CpG units examined (largest Δ + 3.20%, 95%Confidence Interval:1.66,4.75%, P = 0.0001 at CpG.6). This association was strongest in women who breastfeed, suggesting the possibility of a direct effect of alcohol exposure via breast milk. The findings of this study could influence public health guidelines around alcohol consumption for breastfeeding mothers; however, further research is required to confirm these novel findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D. Fransquet
- Cancer & Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Population Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Delyse Hutchinson
- Population Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Craig A. Olsson
- Population Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Judy Wilson
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Steve Allsop
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Jake Najman
- Queensland Alcohol and Drug Research and Education Centre, Schools of Public Health and Social Science, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Elliott
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Sydney, The Sydney Children’s Hospital, Hospitals Network, Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard P. Mattick
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Cancer & Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Cancer & Disease Epigenetics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Neuropsychiatry: Epidemiological and Clinical Research, Inserm U1061, Montpellier, France
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Prahran, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|